Trump orders end of ‘unnecessary’ ban on psychedelic drugs like Ibogaine <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nPresident Donald Trump on Saturday directed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to accelerate its review of certain psychedelic substances \u2014 which are already designated as “breakthrough therapy” drugs \u2014 on a federal basis in his executive order.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “The executive order I’m signing – we’re actually signing the executive order today – this is really a moment.” <\/p>\n
“These treatments are currently in advanced stages of clinical trials to ensure they are both safe and effective for American patients.”<\/p>\n
He emphasized the potential benefit of these psychedelic drugs for treating serious mental health conditions, citing the high suicide rates among military veterans.<\/p>\n
“In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for people suffering from serious mental illness and depression, including our beloved veterans.”<\/p>\n
Trump also said in his speech that his executive order would remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to developing emerging treatments.<\/p>\n
“But, you know, usually with things like this, nothing happens no matter how the research ends up, but we’re changing that. This order will remove unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, improve data sharing between the FDA and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and facilitate faster rescheduling of any psychedelic drugs that become FDA-approved.”<\/p>\n
‘Ibogaine, remember the name’<\/h2>\n
Trump, in particular, pointed to the plant-based psychoactive compound ibogaine, saying that a study was previously conducted that showed positive results for military veterans suffering from mental health illness.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2024, in a study at Stanford University, 30 people with traumatic brain injuries underwent special operations \u2014 it’s called ibogaine treatment \u2014 ibogaine, remember the name,\u201d he said, adding that they \u201cexperienced an 80 to 90% reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms within a month.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citing the study, a federal investment totaling $50 million for ibogaine research has been announced by the President.<\/p>\n
In Texas, Republican leaders have already pledged $50 million for ibogaine research. And today, the federal government is investing $50 million in research of its own. And so it was approved last night itself.”<\/p>\n
Additionally, Trump also announced, “We are also opening a way to give ibogaine to seriously ill patients under the right to try law.”<\/p>\n
The President concluded, “Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms can finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and live a happy life.” <\/p>\n
Trump’s latest statement points to a growing interest in alternative treatments for mental illness in the current administration.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n